Inside Pakistan’s Biggest BVR Air Battle
In mid-July, aviation journalist Alan Warnes gained rare access to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) to learn how it claims to have shot down six Indian Air Force (IAF) fighters during the intense air battle of May 6–7.
With 114 aircraft in the skies — 72 IAF and 42 PAF — this was the largest beyond-visual-range (BVR) engagement ever fought between the two rivals. The clash unfolded after India launched Operation Sindoor, while the PAF countered with Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos.
A senior PAF officer explained:
“We ambushed them. We trapped them in our kill chain and created chaos. Fifty-two minutes after the air war started, it was over. We won, and they went home.”
According to the PAF, its forces deliberately restrained from downing additional aircraft to avoid triggering a full-scale war between the two nuclear powers. The targets included India’s prized Rafales and the Russian-built S-400 air defence systems.
Rafale Losses
The PAF later released what it claimed were the tail serial numbers of four Rafales destroyed in the battle:
-BS001
-BS021
-BS022
-BS027
Plane spotters and analysts have since been watching closely to verify whether these airframes reappear in Indian service.
Preparing for the Strike
The battle was the culmination of weeks of tension. Following the Pahalgam attack in Indian-administered Kashmir on April 22, which killed 26 civilians, India massed fighters across Western and South-Western Command bases. The PAF, fully alert, monitored the build-up and prepared its countermeasures.
PAF JF-17C Thunder jets employed CM-400AKG hypersonic missiles against strategic Indian assets, including the S-400 batteries. Multi-domain command-and-control centres — integrating space, electronic warfare, and cyber capabilities — orchestrated the fight.
The New Face of the PAF
Under the leadership of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, the PAF has embraced integrated multi-domain operations. Its Space Command, powered by indigenous satellites, delivers continuous ISR coverage, secure SATCOM, and GNSS support to frontline fighters. Data fusion across Link 17 and the enhanced Skyguard system connects JF-17s, J-10Cs, and Erieye platforms, giving pilots unmatched situational awareness and electronic attack capabilities.
What unfolded on May 6–7 was more than a single night of combat — it was the debut of a networked, space-enabled, and technologically modernised PAF fighting on equal footing against its rival.
-KEYAERO
In mid-July, aviation journalist Alan Warnes gained rare access to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) to learn how it claims to have shot down six Indian Air Force (IAF) fighters during the intense air battle of May 6–7.
With 114 aircraft in the skies — 72 IAF and 42 PAF — this was the largest beyond-visual-range (BVR) engagement ever fought between the two rivals. The clash unfolded after India launched Operation Sindoor, while the PAF countered with Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos.
A senior PAF officer explained:
“We ambushed them. We trapped them in our kill chain and created chaos. Fifty-two minutes after the air war started, it was over. We won, and they went home.”
According to the PAF, its forces deliberately restrained from downing additional aircraft to avoid triggering a full-scale war between the two nuclear powers. The targets included India’s prized Rafales and the Russian-built S-400 air defence systems.
Rafale Losses
The PAF later released what it claimed were the tail serial numbers of four Rafales destroyed in the battle:
-BS001
-BS021
-BS022
-BS027
Plane spotters and analysts have since been watching closely to verify whether these airframes reappear in Indian service.
Preparing for the Strike
The battle was the culmination of weeks of tension. Following the Pahalgam attack in Indian-administered Kashmir on April 22, which killed 26 civilians, India massed fighters across Western and South-Western Command bases. The PAF, fully alert, monitored the build-up and prepared its countermeasures.
PAF JF-17C Thunder jets employed CM-400AKG hypersonic missiles against strategic Indian assets, including the S-400 batteries. Multi-domain command-and-control centres — integrating space, electronic warfare, and cyber capabilities — orchestrated the fight.
The New Face of the PAF
Under the leadership of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, the PAF has embraced integrated multi-domain operations. Its Space Command, powered by indigenous satellites, delivers continuous ISR coverage, secure SATCOM, and GNSS support to frontline fighters. Data fusion across Link 17 and the enhanced Skyguard system connects JF-17s, J-10Cs, and Erieye platforms, giving pilots unmatched situational awareness and electronic attack capabilities.
What unfolded on May 6–7 was more than a single night of combat — it was the debut of a networked, space-enabled, and technologically modernised PAF fighting on equal footing against its rival.
-KEYAERO
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-⚡🇵🇰/🏳️/🏴: ALERT
In Turbat’s Dasht Khadaan Cross (Kech district), armed men on motorcycles looted Rs 220 million from an SOS security company cash van on the M-8 Highway. The money included Rs 145.5m from Meezan Bank and Rs 75m from Bank Alfalah. The robbers held the staff at gunpoint and escaped. Authorities confirmed the incident and imposed checkpoints.
Such large-scale heists in Balochistan are often linked to Baloch militant groups as a source of funding.
In Turbat’s Dasht Khadaan Cross (Kech district), armed men on motorcycles looted Rs 220 million from an SOS security company cash van on the M-8 Highway. The money included Rs 145.5m from Meezan Bank and Rs 75m from Bank Alfalah. The robbers held the staff at gunpoint and escaped. Authorities confirmed the incident and imposed checkpoints.
Such large-scale heists in Balochistan are often linked to Baloch militant groups as a source of funding.
-⚡🇵🇰/🏳️/🏴: ALERT
In Bannu’s Miryan Tehsil, Noorard area, armed men attempted to close Khan Zaman High School. Local sources reported that the school administration and students were intimidated, leading to a suspension of educational activities.
In Bannu’s Miryan Tehsil, Noorard area, armed men attempted to close Khan Zaman High School. Local sources reported that the school administration and students were intimidated, leading to a suspension of educational activities.
-⚡🇵🇰/🏳️/🏴: ALERT
Yesterday, military-linked sources reported what they termed a “target-of-opportunity counterterrorism operation” in Banda Daud Shah, Karak District. According to initial accounts, a group of TTP militants forcibly demanded food from a local household, intending to rest and eat before proceeding with planned attacks.
Unbeknownst to them, the family discreetly laced the biryani with a fast-acting poison. Once consumed, several fighters began convulsing and collapsing, while others attempted to reach medical help but succumbed before arrival. In total, fourteen (14) militants were neutralized.
The group was said to be aligned with TTP commander Kaleem Ullah Wazir, who reportedly survived the incident. Thirteen of the dead were identified as residents of Bahadur Khel Union Council in Karak, while one was of Afghan origin. The bodies were later placed inside the hujra of a militant named Syed Wali. Security forces subsequently launched operations around the site.
Syed Wali himself was among those killed. His family had previously relocated, after which militants had converted his residence and hujra into a base of operations.
At present, three fatalities have been independently verified through visual confirmation of recovered bodies, while further identification efforts are ongoing.
Yesterday, military-linked sources reported what they termed a “target-of-opportunity counterterrorism operation” in Banda Daud Shah, Karak District. According to initial accounts, a group of TTP militants forcibly demanded food from a local household, intending to rest and eat before proceeding with planned attacks.
Unbeknownst to them, the family discreetly laced the biryani with a fast-acting poison. Once consumed, several fighters began convulsing and collapsing, while others attempted to reach medical help but succumbed before arrival. In total, fourteen (14) militants were neutralized.
The group was said to be aligned with TTP commander Kaleem Ullah Wazir, who reportedly survived the incident. Thirteen of the dead were identified as residents of Bahadur Khel Union Council in Karak, while one was of Afghan origin. The bodies were later placed inside the hujra of a militant named Syed Wali. Security forces subsequently launched operations around the site.
Syed Wali himself was among those killed. His family had previously relocated, after which militants had converted his residence and hujra into a base of operations.
At present, three fatalities have been independently verified through visual confirmation of recovered bodies, while further identification efforts are ongoing.
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-⚡🇵🇰/🏳️/🏴: ALERT
Security forces successfully foiled a ambush attempt along the M-8 highway near Kunchiti Cross in Dasht, Balochistan.
The operation resulted in the killing of two armed men, whose bodies have been recovered.
Meanwhile, Baloch-affiliated sources also confirmed casualties on their side
Security forces successfully foiled a ambush attempt along the M-8 highway near Kunchiti Cross in Dasht, Balochistan.
The operation resulted in the killing of two armed men, whose bodies have been recovered.
Meanwhile, Baloch-affiliated sources also confirmed casualties on their side
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-⚡🇮🇷/🏴: ALERT
Two police officers were killed and one injured when unidentified gunmen opened fire on their vehicle along the Khash–Zahedan route in Sistan and Baluchestan Province of Iran. No group has claimed responsibility so far.
Two police officers were killed and one injured when unidentified gunmen opened fire on their vehicle along the Khash–Zahedan route in Sistan and Baluchestan Province of Iran. No group has claimed responsibility so far.
-⚡🇵🇰/🏳️/🏴/🇦🇫: ALERT
Pakistan’s jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan has accused the government of provoking conflict with Afghanistan to serve political interests. Speaking through his family from Adiala Jail, Khan warned that military operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would worsen terrorism and destabilize governance, urging dialogue instead.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s Ambassador Sardar Ahmad Shakib met opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz-e-Aeen Pakistan (TTAP) leaders at Asad Qaiser’s residence in Islamabad. The sides discussed trade disruptions and bilateral ties. TTAP announced that a high-level delegation led by Mahmood Khan Achakzai will soon visit Afghanistan, in line with Khan’s wishes.
Pakistan’s jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan has accused the government of provoking conflict with Afghanistan to serve political interests. Speaking through his family from Adiala Jail, Khan warned that military operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would worsen terrorism and destabilize governance, urging dialogue instead.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s Ambassador Sardar Ahmad Shakib met opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz-e-Aeen Pakistan (TTAP) leaders at Asad Qaiser’s residence in Islamabad. The sides discussed trade disruptions and bilateral ties. TTAP announced that a high-level delegation led by Mahmood Khan Achakzai will soon visit Afghanistan, in line with Khan’s wishes.
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-⚡🇵🇰/🏳️/🏴: ALERT
A bucket filled with explosives was recovered near Shagai Bacha Khan Ahmadzai in Lakki Marwat District. Upon receiving the report, the police reached the scene, and the bomb disposal squad successfully neutralized it
A bucket filled with explosives was recovered near Shagai Bacha Khan Ahmadzai in Lakki Marwat District. Upon receiving the report, the police reached the scene, and the bomb disposal squad successfully neutralized it
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-⚡🇵🇰/🏳️/🏴: ALERT
A coordinated attack targeted the Levies and BC Force posts at Mir Ali Khel headquarters in Sherani district in Balochistan. According to sources, militants opened fire from a nearby hill using heavy weapons, striking the Police Lines and Levies post.
An exchange of gunfire between security forces and the attackers is ongoing. Initial reports confirm the casualties of three Levies personnels and one BC constable, identified as Altaf ur Rehman from Khanozai. The Levies post was reportedly set on fire during the assault.
Reinforcements from the Anti-Terrorist Force (ATF) and BC personnel were dispatched to the area an hour ago. The Mir Ali Khel police station, located roughly 300 meters from the Levies post on Mushraki Side, remains on high alert with round-the-clock duty.
A coordinated attack targeted the Levies and BC Force posts at Mir Ali Khel headquarters in Sherani district in Balochistan. According to sources, militants opened fire from a nearby hill using heavy weapons, striking the Police Lines and Levies post.
An exchange of gunfire between security forces and the attackers is ongoing. Initial reports confirm the casualties of three Levies personnels and one BC constable, identified as Altaf ur Rehman from Khanozai. The Levies post was reportedly set on fire during the assault.
Reinforcements from the Anti-Terrorist Force (ATF) and BC personnel were dispatched to the area an hour ago. The Mir Ali Khel police station, located roughly 300 meters from the Levies post on Mushraki Side, remains on high alert with round-the-clock duty.
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-⚡🇵🇰/🏳️/🏴: ALERT
In Bannu District, militants carried out coordinated attacks on the Miryan Police Station and the Mazang Checkpost, lasting approximately 20 minutes and one hour, respectively.
Authorities reported that three attackers were killed and four were injured, whose bodies were evacuated by their companions. Three police officers sustained injuries during the clashes, and their condition is reported to be stable.
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has claimed responsibility for the attacks.
In Bannu District, militants carried out coordinated attacks on the Miryan Police Station and the Mazang Checkpost, lasting approximately 20 minutes and one hour, respectively.
Authorities reported that three attackers were killed and four were injured, whose bodies were evacuated by their companions. Three police officers sustained injuries during the clashes, and their condition is reported to be stable.
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has claimed responsibility for the attacks.
PakPulse Intel
-⚡🇵🇰/🏳️/🏴: ALERT A coordinated attack targeted the Levies and BC Force posts at Mir Ali Khel headquarters in Sherani district in Balochistan. According to sources, militants opened fire from a nearby hill using heavy weapons, striking the Police Lines and…
-⚡🇵🇰/🏳️/🏴: UPDATE
According to Deputy Commissioner of Sherani, Hazrat Wali Kakr, an attack on the police station claimed the life of officer Altaf ur Rahman, while two others, Wahid Khan and Kalu Khan, sustained injuries. Additionally, Levies personnel Azam Khan remains missing.
The Deputy Commissioner confirmed that a large contingent of security forces, under his supervision, is on-site conducting search and rescue operations to locate the missing personnel.
So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Sherani, Hazrat Wali Kakr, an attack on the police station claimed the life of officer Altaf ur Rahman, while two others, Wahid Khan and Kalu Khan, sustained injuries. Additionally, Levies personnel Azam Khan remains missing.
The Deputy Commissioner confirmed that a large contingent of security forces, under his supervision, is on-site conducting search and rescue operations to locate the missing personnel.
So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
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-⚡🇵🇰/🏳️/🏴: ALERT
A military operation is currently underway in Karah Bagh Saraghorda, Tehsil Barml, Lower Wana, South Waziristan, targeting TTP and TTG militants. Gunship helicopters are conducting shelling on suspected militant hideouts, with reports of casualties.
A military operation is currently underway in Karah Bagh Saraghorda, Tehsil Barml, Lower Wana, South Waziristan, targeting TTP and TTG militants. Gunship helicopters are conducting shelling on suspected militant hideouts, with reports of casualties.
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-⚡🇵🇰/🏳️/🏴: ALERT
Last night, unknown assailants attacked Gargari Police Station in Karak district. During the attack, an exchange of fire took place between the police and the militants, no casualties were reported.
Last night, unknown assailants attacked Gargari Police Station in Karak district. During the attack, an exchange of fire took place between the police and the militants, no casualties were reported.
-⚡🇵🇰/🏳️/🏴: ALERT
A clash broke out last night between security forces and militants in Airab village, Loei Mamund, Bajaur district, leaving six security personnel injured. Their conditions are reported as stable.
Meanwhile, the TTP has claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that its militants used laser guns, mortars, and hand grenades in the assault.
A clash broke out last night between security forces and militants in Airab village, Loei Mamund, Bajaur district, leaving six security personnel injured. Their conditions are reported as stable.
Meanwhile, the TTP has claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that its militants used laser guns, mortars, and hand grenades in the assault.
PakPulse Intel
-⚡🇵🇰/🏳️/🏴: UPDATE According to Deputy Commissioner of Sherani, Hazrat Wali Kakr, an attack on the police station claimed the life of officer Altaf ur Rahman, while two others, Wahid Khan and Kalu Khan, sustained injuries. Additionally, Levies personnel Azam…
-⚡🇵🇰/🏳️/🏴: ALERT
A media outlet affiliated with the TTP claimed that its militants attacked a police post. The statement cites the location as the Toi area in South Waziristan at the Mir Ali Khel post, but the details of the attack suggest it may have actually taken place in Sherani, Balochistan, indicating a possible error in reporting.
According to the statement, one personnel was killed, two others were injured, and a personnel, Azam Khan, was captured alive. Four vehicles were set on fire, and the militants seized weapons and other equipment from the post.
A media outlet affiliated with the TTP claimed that its militants attacked a police post. The statement cites the location as the Toi area in South Waziristan at the Mir Ali Khel post, but the details of the attack suggest it may have actually taken place in Sherani, Balochistan, indicating a possible error in reporting.
According to the statement, one personnel was killed, two others were injured, and a personnel, Azam Khan, was captured alive. Four vehicles were set on fire, and the militants seized weapons and other equipment from the post.
-⚡🇵🇰/🏳️/🏴: ALERT
A crossfire occurred between two peace committee militia groups in Miranshah Market, North Waziristan, involving Commander Qadir Zamban, alias Qadir Kai group, and Commander Toab Noor Dawar group. The clash appears to have arisen from internal disputes within the Miranshah community. No casualties have been reported.
A crossfire occurred between two peace committee militia groups in Miranshah Market, North Waziristan, involving Commander Qadir Zamban, alias Qadir Kai group, and Commander Toab Noor Dawar group. The clash appears to have arisen from internal disputes within the Miranshah community. No casualties have been reported.
-⚡🇵🇰/🏳️/🏴: ALERT
Two separate bomb explosions in the Sughari area of Sui Tehsil, Dera Bugti District, Balochistan, have claimed the lives of atleast three individuals, including a woman and a child, while six others sustained injuries.
According to reports, the first explosion was caused by a landmine, instantly killing the wife and child of Uthman Bugti. Almost simultaneously, a second blast in the area claimed the life of a local farmer, Ali.
Residents also report frequent incidents of gunfire targeting homes in the area, leaving the local population in a state of fear and panic.
Local sources have shared two differing accounts regarding the blasts. One version claims that Baloch separatist militants from the BRA group, led by Sher Muhammad alias Shera Maritta Wing, planted landmines in the Lanjou and Sughari areas after failing to receive extortion money. Another version alleges that the explosives were planted by what is believed to be a death squad linked to Sarfraz Bugti.
Two separate bomb explosions in the Sughari area of Sui Tehsil, Dera Bugti District, Balochistan, have claimed the lives of atleast three individuals, including a woman and a child, while six others sustained injuries.
According to reports, the first explosion was caused by a landmine, instantly killing the wife and child of Uthman Bugti. Almost simultaneously, a second blast in the area claimed the life of a local farmer, Ali.
Residents also report frequent incidents of gunfire targeting homes in the area, leaving the local population in a state of fear and panic.
Local sources have shared two differing accounts regarding the blasts. One version claims that Baloch separatist militants from the BRA group, led by Sher Muhammad alias Shera Maritta Wing, planted landmines in the Lanjou and Sughari areas after failing to receive extortion money. Another version alleges that the explosives were planted by what is believed to be a death squad linked to Sarfraz Bugti.
-⚡🇵🇰/🏳️/🏴: ALERT
Security forces demolished the house of TTP commander Tariq Dawar in the Boya area of North Waziristan
Security forces demolished the house of TTP commander Tariq Dawar in the Boya area of North Waziristan
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-⚡🇵🇰/🏳️/🏴: ALERT
In Zamoran, Kech District, Balochistan, security forces conducted an intelligence operation that resulted in the elimination of two Baloch separatist militants. Accounts affiliated with the Baloch militants have confirmed their own casualties.
In Zamoran, Kech District, Balochistan, security forces conducted an intelligence operation that resulted in the elimination of two Baloch separatist militants. Accounts affiliated with the Baloch militants have confirmed their own casualties.
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-⚡🇵🇰/🏳️/🏴: ALERT
A video has been released today showing the five WAPDA employees who were abducted by unknown militants from the Pirdil Khel area of Bannu. In the footage, the captives state that they are being subjected to severe torture and urged the government to accept the kidnappers’ demands, warning that their lives are at serious risk if not.
The abduction took place five days ago when a WAPDA team was repairing electricity lines. Suddenly, armed men attacked and kidnapped the employees along with their driver. The incident happened just a day after TTP commander Ariana rustled 138 cows from a government-run dairy farm in the same area, also taking vendors hostage on the accusation that they were supplying milk to security forces.
The WAPDA abductees have been identified as driver Adnan, Naqeebur Rehman, Farhad, Abdul Wahab, and Javedullah.
A video has been released today showing the five WAPDA employees who were abducted by unknown militants from the Pirdil Khel area of Bannu. In the footage, the captives state that they are being subjected to severe torture and urged the government to accept the kidnappers’ demands, warning that their lives are at serious risk if not.
The abduction took place five days ago when a WAPDA team was repairing electricity lines. Suddenly, armed men attacked and kidnapped the employees along with their driver. The incident happened just a day after TTP commander Ariana rustled 138 cows from a government-run dairy farm in the same area, also taking vendors hostage on the accusation that they were supplying milk to security forces.
The WAPDA abductees have been identified as driver Adnan, Naqeebur Rehman, Farhad, Abdul Wahab, and Javedullah.
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